Authorities turn blind eye to construction of hotels on elephant corridor

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Two businessmen were constructing hotels blocking the Menikkawatta, Bowitiyatenna elephant corridor, which is used by elephants to cross from Morning Side, a part of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to Dellawa – Walankanda forest, environmentalist Sajeewa Chamikara said yesterday.

Chamikara told The Island that one hotel was being built by the son-in-law of a wealthy gem merchant in Kalawana; seven acres of forest land have already been cleared.

The Kalawana Pradeshiya Sabha had allowed the construction of the hotel, despite violation of the environmental laws, he said.

According to Chamikara, the other hotel was being built by a businessman from Godakawala ; he has cleared eight acres of forest land in Bowitiyatenna.

Chamikara said: “Because of these constructions, lives and property of those living in Rambuka, Thanawela, Ellagama, Handiyakade, Kajugaswatta, Pothupitiya, Kopikella and Cypresswatta will be in danger. Recently, a lot of new land was attached to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve but using political and economic power these businessmen are building hotels, destroying the environment.

He said the area was prone to landslides. Given the importance of the area, any development activity would have to be highly regulated.

“All constructions here are highly regulated. According to the gazette notification 772/22 issued under the National Environmental Act, no 47 of 1980; an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has to be carried out when engaging in development activities over a hectare. An EIA has to be conducted when any development activity is carried out within 100 metres of a protected forest area. But neither of these hotels has obtained any environmental approvals.”

Chamikara said that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) had the power to take legal action against those violations. Unfortunately, the authorities had not taken any action, he said.